The United Nations named its annual Human Development Index (HDI), and one Scandinavian utopia is on top for the 12th straight year. Norway, Land of the Midnight Sun, again was first on the HDI, which ranks 188 countries based on three dimensions of human development: health and life expectancy, access to knowledge and the average standard of living.

Norway has a life expectancy of nearly 82 years, its citizens average 12.6 years of schooling, and it has a per capita income of $65k. That latter number is part of the reason why it was also named the world’s most prosperous country (for the7th straight year).

Norway offers 20 hours of sunlight per day through late July. For visiting seniors, that’s perfect for biking, extended midnight summer swims, mountain trail hiking, outdoor dining and other fun activities.

For seniors who are internet message enthusiasts, the term troll was created in Norway. Originally, it was an ugly forest creature who can only be defeated by sunlight. Then it turns into stone. So, next time you encounter an offensive internet complainer, turn him/her off by flashing some sunlit truth at it.

For more info, go to www.visitnorway.org

Q: I’m a 68-year-old retired surgery nurse, and should be able to handle all situations. I read recently about a brand-new new cruise ship where many of the passengers got food poisoning and severe seasickness on the first voyage. Friends frequently invite me to join them on a cruise, but I always refuse.

After a career in hospital work, I’m still obsessed with cleanliness. Now that I’m retired, I’ve been asked to take a cruise with family. How can I do it without being a pain-in-the-butt clean freak? RLB, Scranton PA

Recently stayed at a nice beach hotel. Room rates were modestly high, with a lunch included. However, scan the prices of stuff in the so-called honor bar. Are you old enough to remember when a candy bar, bag of jelly beans and soda were a nickel or dime? And a beer or shot of whiskey just 50¢? Here they cost many, many times more.

Do yourself a favor next time you check into a posh hotel. Stop first at a local store and load up before going to your room. The prices of the store-bought snack stuff aren’t as cheap as they were when you were young. But they won’t be 1,000% higher, as they are in hotel room fridges.

Q: OK, before I begin my gripe, call me a nasty old man. That said, I believe cruise ships should ban kids under age 12. I spent many years working so I could enjoy my well-deserved retirement.

I love cruises, but not when the ship is full of screaming, out-of-control brats who hog the pools, spas, buffets, passageways, elevators and everywhere else. Am I wrong with this mean old Scrooge attitude? LBL, Birmingham AL